Spherical wheels zero friction levitation (Goodyear)

[ZenOps]

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Requires no electrical energy expenditure to levitate, these are permanent neodymium/iron magnets attached to the inside of the car.

Zero friction, yes - zero friction losses.

Bundled with a 900 HP electric motor, could theoretically break the sound barrier fairly easily by my estimation.

[carson blocks]

There are still frictional losses. Traction = Friction. Magnets instead of wheel bearings doesn't mean zero losses. Also, I'm probably just dense this morning but I'm not seeing how power is transferred to those tires, and how control inputs are given.

[AndyL]

Think of it as the fixed magnet stator on a electric motor - the ball has dozens of fixed magnets around its circumference - electro magnets mounted in fender - roughly same location - then you just alter magnetic fields to make motion / lift / etc happen.

someone did a really cool kinex build of one a few years back... was pretty awesome if you could keep accurate position of the ball.

[R154]

Top left corner of the portion in the video with the Goodyear reply talking.

Just read it.... I think he made it??

[HomespunLobster]

How do you switch from "vehicle not turning but moving sideways" to "vehicle turning like a normal car"?

You'd have to keep it as a from Calgary to Edmonton car

[jacky4566]

I would be more worried about suspension dampening. Every try driving a vehicle with busted shocks?

I suppose you could attempt it electronically but i have yet to see a working scenario.

[R154]

They'd probably mount all the maglev systems to an independent subframe which would be dampened from the body conventionally or with solenoids/magnetic suspension.

By the time a vehicle like that is designed and built I'd have to imagine it would include a system which mapped the road and fed a processing system to preload or prepare the suspension in advance of road undulations. Maybe an avoidance system for critically large road deviations/potholes.

Itll be neat for sure.

[revelations]

Great thinking - for a perfect climate. This probably wont work in any climate that packs wheel wells with snow and salt.

I can see some of the wet technology being passed down to present tires though.

[R154]

I can't see her w this could be executed with practicality in mind.